Who...

Pease House Art is my studio and I, Karen Gale (Belanger), am the artist. In 2004 I began a journey of self-discovery and found within myself an artistic ability that I hadn't known existed. Looking back on my life I see that it was always there, trying to peek out, but always being pushed back down. I allowed others to tell me that what I did was nothing special. But in 2004 I stopped listening to the negative voices and decided to try my hand at painting. "Big Delta Barn" is the result of that initial attempt.

As I learned more and more about who I really am, my life as I knew it began to unravel. Many of my early works represent portions of that journey and some of the truths I uncovered. 

To this juncture, my journey has led me to the Pacific Northwest where I live with my husband of 3 years. I teach painting locally, paint, make other creative works of art, and am currently working on illustrations for a children's book.

You can learn more about me professionally by reading my résumé.

what

My primary medium is oil painting and my favorite subject is psychological or personality portraits.  I found myself doing a lot of commission work after I moved to the Pacific Northwest which kept me busy but did not allow me the time to do the kind of work I had been doing when I was in school. After some self-evaluation I am now working diligently to experiment with my subject matter and find my artistic voice.

In addition to painting I love photography. I don't have all the fancy equipment, but I definitely enjoy getting out on a photoshoot or shooting references for my own paintings. 

I have a pottery wheel that I haven't set up yet. My studio is in pretty good shape so hopefully I'll be able to get my hands dirty soon!

While I love to paint, I also love to teach. I used to teach elementary school and often caught myself saying that no matter what I did in life I would always be a teacher. While I didn't set out to make that happen, it has happened just the same. I love my painting class. My students are amazing and continue to surprise and inspire me with their creations. It really is a motivator for me as an artist as well as the thrill of watching the student succeed.

How

I set up and photograph all of my scenes before painting because lighting is so important and I know what I need. Generally I have an image in my mind that slowly solidifies until it is concrete enough that I can replicate it. Finding models is probably my biggest mental challenge. I have a hard time asking people to model for me. If I can get myself over that hump, then it becomes a fun challenge to try to create what is going on in my head. Once I have a good photo shoot, it's time to get that image onto the canvas!

I paint primarily with the primary colors. I use Payne's Grey for my black and traditional colors like burnt umber, burnt sienna and yellow ochre. I'm not picky about which white I use. Other than that, I mix my own colors. Color mixing and theory is one of my greatest strengths as an artist and I can match basically any color thanks to my amazing professor Brian Hoover.

I tend to approach the canvas just a little differently each time I start a new painting. Sometimes I cover the canvas and work down to the details. Other times I start with one aspect and finish it completely before I move on. I haven't quite figured myself out yet in that regard. However, you can follow me on blog "Pondering and Painting" as I write and post pics about my paintings and their progress.

WHY

100 years ago when I was an undergrad my Psych 101 professor liked to say that psychology is the study of "why we do the things we do". I can still hear his voice. So now I ponder about why I do this thing I do... 

One reason I make art is because if I don't, the pain of not making art becomes greater than the pain of making it. As hard as it can be to get into the zone and get started on the process, if I go too long without creating, something inside me starts to drive me back to it again. I love to paint. I love what comes out on the canvas, even when I struggle with the process. Sometimes I stop painting because I'm stuck. Sometimes it's because I don't have a  specific project. I can fill my time by creating other things. I enjoy sewing, needlework, as well as other art forms. But sooner or later nothing can take the place of painting. It calls me back and I can only deny that calling for long.

Each time I return to the canvas after an extended absence I am amazed at the feeling. Something empty inside me fills up again. The brush dips into the paint and touches down on the canvas and suddenly a form emerges. That feeling is why I paint... 

Our Story

On one side of our little home I have my art studio. On the other side is Andrew's shop. It is there that he creates his own art. Neah Kah Nie Trading Post is where you can find his work, as well as on eBay. 

While we definitely have our moments when the paths of two working artists collide, for the most part it's pretty fun to be married to, work with, and laugh with your best friend every day.